Joseph "JoJo" P. Wozney

Joseph "JoJo" P. Wozney, 80, of Independence, died Sunday, October 25, 2015 at Azura Memory Care in Eau Claire. He was born in Independence on July 27, 1935 to Bernard and Susan (Maule) Wozney. He married Janice "Kay" Kujak on December 1, 1962 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Arcadia. Following high school, JoJo served in the U. S. Army. He worked for the Green Bay & Western Railroad for ten years as a depot agent where he learned to communicate by Morse Code. He formed a partnership and purchased Sprecher Lumber in Independence and founded Starwood Products and later purchased Eleva Lumber. He remained involved with Starwood Rafters until earlier this year. JoJo was a member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church and its Rosary Society. He was a member of the Elk Rod and Gun Club, Independence Volunteer Fire Department and Sura-Wiersgalla American Legion Post 186. Joe’s passion was the tree farm that he created in Daggett Coulee leaving a legacy to be enjoyed for many generations. He was dedicated to forestry and was awarded Trempealeau County Forester of the Year. JoJo had many talents from woodworking, woodcarving, designing clocks to canvas painting. He had a love for fishing on the Great Lakes, hunting out West, watching old war movies and playing Sizzlin'7 slot machines. His love of hunting and fishing is passed onto his children and grandchildren. Most of all he will be remembered for his inspiring work ethic. The family cottage that was built by Joe and several friends is still enjoyed. A heartfelt "thank you" to Azura Memory Care staff for their kindness and comfort. Survivors include his wife, Janice "Kay" Wozney of Independence; four children, Steve (Sue) Wozney of Independence, Brad (Renee) Wozney of De Pere, Geri Lynn (Randy) Sluga of Eleva and Corey (Cathy) Wozney of Arcadia; three sisters, Patricia Sylla of River Falls, Susan (Joe) Hunn of Columbia, Mo. and Mary Beth (Allan) Gamroth of Independence; sister-in-law, Darlene Wozney of La Crosse; eleven grandchildren, Haley, Alec, Josh, Mack, Adam and Jenna Wozney, Ethan and Evan Sluga, Bryant, Tannor and Chayse Wozney; nieces and nephews. JoJo was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Bernard Wozney. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 29, 2015 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic School Gymnasium with Very Rev. Woodrow H. Pace officiating. Burial, with military rites, will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m. followed by a rosary, at Edison Funeral Home, Independence, and one hour prior to services at the school on Thursday. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joseph "JoJo" P. Wozney, please visit our flower store.